Mad libs

Do you remember these when you were a kid? I always had to get the new one as soon as it came out in the scholastic book order. My friends and I had a blast with these. We would laugh so hard, our belly's would hurt. I don't know if they would be as fun now, but I am willing to give it a shot. With the help of my blogger pals of course.

I need 33 words, so you are all going to have to give me more than one. Once we get all the words, I'll post the finished mad lib. Here we go..........

1. emotion
2. verb ending in "ed"
3. verb
4. body part
5. noun (plural)
6. adjective
7. place
8. verb ending in "ed"
9. adjective
10. body part
11. article of clothing
12. verb
13. time span
14. verb
15. verb
16. adjective
17. verb ending in "ed"
18. verb
19. verb
20. adjective
21. noun
22. verb
23. animal (plural)
24. verb
25. noun (plural)
26. body part
27. verb
28. body part
29. adjective
30. noun
31. verb ending in "ing"
32. adjective
33. verb ending in "ing"

TGIF!! Have a great day!

The cool kids

I am not really sure how or where to start this post. I really do not like to do downer posts, but this is weighing heavily on my mind this morning. Last night, while I was napping before work, Tanner had a pretty serious Q & A session with his dad. I know his dad probably gave him some great advice, but I still feel the need to put in my two cents. So this meddling momma will have to bring it up over supper this weekend.

Tanner is apparently being picked on at school by the "cool" kids. He has never really been into athletics, but he will try to play on the school yard with them. The "jocks" are mean to him and tell him that he sucks. He thinks that if he goes out for sports, then may be he will be "cool".

We all know the drill, because we have all been there before. Whether you were one of the "cool" kids, a "nerd", a bada$$ or a floater. We all know what a click is all about. As much as I wish this would end, I know that it never will. I have wondered about Tanner's "social" status at school from time to time, but I do not let it consume me. I know how he feels, and I my heart aches for him. But I absolutely do not want him to try to be something he is not, just so he can fit in. I know right now it will not matter much to him, but I happen to think he is a pretty cool kid. To me, cool is what is on the inside. Not how much your bike cost, how many gadgets you have, or how many sports you can play. If you don't have soul, then what good are those things?

Of course I want my children to have more than I did. We all do. But I do not want my children to be materialistic jerks who only think of themselves and how they can top what so & so has. I want my children to have compassion, integrity, self respect, etc. I would rather have my child be a dork with a heart who is respected, than a self absorbed arrogant a$$.

All of our possessions will not matter one bit when we leave this world. They will be sold off, or given to family. Sure, they will think about you when they spend your money, or bump into your old stuff, but that is about it. What happens when the money & stuff is gone? Will you still be remembered?

Instead of being remembered for what I did or didn't have, I would want to be remembered for the things I did, the lives I touched, the kindness I shared, my wonderful :O) personality and perhaps the awesome chip dip I made.

My dreams for my children are that they have a lot of great qualities to fill there sole, not a lot of possessions to fill there garage. I want them to be happy and live fulfilling lives. I hope that I can instill great values, and give them the confidence they need to be okay with who they are.

I am here to tell those "cool" kids and the world, that my Stepson Tanner is one of the coolest kids in the world. If you can not see that, then you better take a step back and perhaps re-evaluate your life. Because you are truly missing out.

God bless you all,
Momma Bear

The incredible shrinking bum

Why is it that the one thing that I don't need to be shrinking......is. I know that I should be grateful that I am obviously making some kind of progress, but come on! I have no bum to begin with.

I am not sure if my mushroom cap is getting bigger or what, because according to my LYING scale, I have not lost any weight recently. Yet, I continuously have to hike up my pants. Will someone please tell my bum that I am not interested in being a plumber. And please explain to me how it is possible that your pants can feel tight, yet you have to wear a belt to keep the backside from falling down. Could it be, my dreaded mushroom cap is pushing my pants down its little stem? How does one rid there self of this disgusting fungus?

I have heard a lot of mom's complain about their hips and bums, but I have never heard of one with my problems. I know I am an odd ball, but why oh why do I have to be all alone too? Right now, I feel like I would rather be shaped like a pear than a mushroom. At least a pear is sweet, and desirable. Mushrooms are just a fungus.

There is a humongous fungus among us.

Oh Happy Day!!

Colters 1 year pictures

I know some of you have been waiting patiently for me to get Colter's pictures done. Well, we did it today. So be checking your mailboxes in a few weeks. I just wanted to share them with you. He did not cooperate to well, but sears did manage to get a few good ones. Enjoy!

Paper person incident

Lately, everyday when I pick Colter up from the sitters, I have been arriving the same time as the paper person. This person, I would guess, is around 13 years old. They have some wild hair, much like an afro, and is heavier set, with a noticeable chest. I have found myself wondering if it is a boy or a girl. Apparently, I am not alone.

Yesterday, as I was leaving the sitters, two boys that are about 10 years old, where riding by on a bike. The paper person was just going to cross the street as they came by. The boys on the bike yelled out, "Are you a boy or a girl?!" They must have saw the horrified look on my face because they said to me, "Not you. We know what you are."

All though I too had pondered the same thing and did chuckle to myself, I was horrified by the question. Imagine what the paper person must have felt. The paper person, just kept walking, but unless it was deaf, they heard these boys. I hope this person is not picked on like this all of the time. It saddens my heart.

This kind of thinking has made me some unwanted fans. Call me a sucker, but I can't help but have a soft spot for those who are picked on or are less fortunate. Everybody needs a friend sometimes. Do something nice for somebody today. Somebody you normally wouldn't associate with. Even if its just a smile.

Have a super day everyone! And enjoy your weekends!

Just for Tracy

This has been the best toy I have purchased by far! Colter loves it. I bought it for his birthday. While I was putting it together, he would not stop playing with all of the stuff. It is by fischer price and it is called the laugh & learn learning home. I bought it at toys r us. Here is the link for you.

More photo's

Happy Boy! I love to open, close and go through doors. I can do this for hours.
Yeah, I know I am cool dad, but I don't need your stinking shades.
Enough paparazzi for one day, thanks.

Have a super day ya'll!

Slobber Bandit

Hall of fame

Once again, I have been slacking on announcing the winner of our daily quizzes. As you may have all ready suspected, Kearin3 is the winner for July & August! Congrats to you Jamie!!

Because you are the player to beat, you have won a very special prize. You have won an imaginary fantasy weekend with the man in your dreams. Thats right, its Daughtry baby! We are giving you a weekend you are sure to never forget. You call the shots. You can do whatever you like, whenever you like. Its your fantasy. Your weekend will start as soon as you leave work on Friday. It will last until 8pm on sunday evening when you will realize that you have a family, and that the voice that has been screaming your name, is actually your husband trying to get your attention. Enjoy!!!

One year checkup

Colter had his one year checkup and shots on Monday. He weighed 24lbs 12oz, and was 31 1/2 inches long. He has grown so much! The Ped said he was doing great and even called him a nosey little guy. I keep saying that Colter will be a house inspector or possible a dentist someday. Its always a relief to hear the Dr say that my child is progressing well.

His shots were a bit more traumatic this time than they have been in the past. He cried a few extra minutes this time. Usually, he seems to be over it within a minute. It honestly does not bother me when he gets them. I contribute some of that to when he was 6 weeks old and had to have surgery. They made me hold him down so they could draw blood. That was horrible. It was even worse, afterwards when he was coming out of his anesthesia. I hope I never have to witness anything like that again. I would take him to get shots any day over that.

Colter has started to stand, unassisted, for very long periods of time. He will only do it though, if he knows you are there for him to grab a hold of if he needs to. Perhaps it is a sign that he will walk soon?

For his birthday, we got him a laugh 'n learn house. He is obsessed with opening and closing doors, so this toy is a big hit. I think Al & Tanner kind of like it too. They have both played with it. Boys.

There is not much else to say. A lot of you had many questions about the bike incident. I will keep you updated if I find out anything. I hate to say it, but I am sure nothing will come of it legally. If we are looking for an outcome, we will probably have to take matters into our own hands. We have not spoke to the parents of the children involved yet. Its a real crappy deal. I hate to say it, but I am sure it didn't even faze this kid or mother, that the police were involved. These kids seem to have less and less respect for authority these days. I really hope that the situation will be made right, but I am not going to hold my breath. Its too bad that one has to just "suck it up and drive on." I also hate to inform you, that this type of thing happens all of the time here. And it is not just bikes. Its everything from flowerpots, to baby jesus'.....right Ker?! (I wonder if baby jesus was ever resurrected?)

Thats all folks! I hope you all have a fantabulous weekend!

Flea Bag

The following is a short story, based on a true story. Written by me, starring my redneck brother Scott. I hope that once you finish my short story, you will feel just a wee bit smarter. This is redneck edjamakashon at its finest.

flea /fli/ –noun
1.any of numerous small, wingless bloodsucking insects of the order Siphonaptera, parasitic upon mammals and birds and noted for their ability to leap.

bag /bæg/ –noun
1.a container or receptacle of leather, plastic, cloth, paper, etc., capable of being closed at the mouth; pouch.

A few years ago, my brother Scott had gotten a new little puppy. It was very early spring, and it was still chilly out. He had called me up, wanting my expertise, because he knows no one smarter than me. :o)

You see, we had this thing in our home. It was a nad biting dingle berry muncher that went by the name of Chevy. It was what most of you know as a dog, a miniature schnauzer if you want to get technical. He did resemble what most may consider a ankle biter, but he truly was a nad biter. Chevy, was a nasty little thing, and not liked by many, including this huge animal lover.

My brother knew that I was an expert in the fleadom fighting field. Chevy was the king of flea's and I was his fleadom fighting jester. He took great joy in watching me juggle with his fleas.

My brother, Scott, was seeking knowledge about what fleas looked like because he thought perhaps his new puppy had some. I was almost certain that it was to early in the year for flea's and told him so.

A few days later, I found out that his little puppy did indeed have those nasty little bugs on it. Apparently, my redneck brother wanted to investigate the matter further, so he picked off a few of the bugs with a tweezers. He then put the bugs in a baggie and took them to work the next day to show them to the guys. One of his co-workers confirmed his suspicions that they were indeed fleas. I am still not sure why they have not locked my brother up in a padded cell somewhere.

My brother, with fleas in a baggie, now that is what you call a redneck flea bag folks!

Colter's B-day Party

This past Saturday, was Colter's birthday party. It was honestly the first birthday party that I really planned, by myself from start to finish. I managed to pull it off, and I think I did all right. We had a small get together with family. Unfortunately, Grandma Judy & Grandpa Chuck could not be there, due to Al's stepsister getting married in TX. It would be nice to be able to get all of the family together, but it is just not feasible. Perhaps someday. A few of my aunts & uncles were able to attend, and it was so great to see them. I do not get to see them often, because we usually spend holidays with Al's family. I thought it was important for Tanner to be with his family, so holidays are usually planned around him. We are going to have to start to compromise now though.

For Colter's party, I just served munchies, cake & ice cream. I did not take one picture during the party. I was so busy making sure there was enough food out, greeting & chatting with everyone, trying to get Colter to open his presents, etc. I did manage to get a lot of video though. My brother was nice enough to record for a while. Thank god! I certainly hope that next time, things will not seem so chaotic. I am not sure how it is that I can dispatch mass chaos, but when it comes to a birthday party, I forget to take pictures. Ouy!

I purchased his cake at the local grocery store and I think they did a very good job. I am a huge fan of cake, so I ordered a cake that I thought would be more than enough. I was hoping to have enough cake left over, to take some to some family members who did not attend, but I must have cut the pieces way to big, because there was not much left. I was not willing to share. Sorry.
I had doggie bags for the kids, but wouldn't you know, I forgot about them until almost everyone left, so only a couple of kids got one. Al, the biggest kid of all, was tickled that I forgot, because that meant he got to take doggie bags to work.


Colter wants to say thanks to all for the birthday wishes. Also, thanks to all who made his birthday special and to those who helped out in some way. You guys are great!

Recovery efforts

I know most of you remember me mentioning Tanners bike being stolen the night before school started. I was not happy about it, because it was the second time, the same bike was stolen. After we found it the first time, we made sure that if it happened again, there would be no doubt that it was Tanners. We flipped it upside down, and carved his initials in several spots. There are several bikes in town like Tanners, so I don't know why his was targeted twice! Good grief!


This last time, after about two days, Tanner was over it and did not search anymore. Al searched for a little over a week. I, on the other hand, would still be looking for it 5 years from now. I am not sure why I am this way, but it is something that irritates me to no end.


When we bought this bike a few years ago, we paid almost 100$ for it. That was huge to us, considering Tanner had always had rummage sale bikes before. We thought he deserved a "nice" bike. This is not something that is an everyday purchase. We are not rushing right out to throw away that kind of money for a new one because his other one got stolen. He has to save his money to buy a new one, and we told him that if he could save so much, we would help with the rest.


On sunday, I was killing time, and had gone into the local hardware store. When I came out, I saw a bike laying down in front of the store that looked like Tanners. I was sure it would not be his, but I walked over and checked it anyway. I almost fell over when sure enough, his initials were in the bottom of the bike. The bike had not been there when I went into the store, so I was sure the thief was inside. Another patron at the store told me he saw a kid ride up on it and go inside. The patron was nice enough to let me use his phone to call the fuzz. I was not going to let this slide this time.


I stood out there waiting for the thief to come out. When he did, our conversation went much like this........


Me: Where did you get this bike?
Kid: Its my brothers.
Me: No its not. Its my sons.
Kid: Uh-Uh. Its my brothers.
Me: Oh really? Then why are my son's initials carved in the bottom?
Kid: They are not.
Me: Yes. They are.
Kid: Where?
Me: Flip it over and I will show you. (I point to his initials.)
Kid: I don't see them.
Me: What? Are you blind?
Kid: Oh. (As he steps for the bike.)
Me: (I step down on the tire with force.) You are not going any where. The police are on there way.
Kid: I have to go home and tell my mom.
Me: I don't think you have to worry about that. The police will take you home and help you tell her.
Kid: (Hangs his head.)


Apparently, this kid thought that I am just another completely clueless parent. He gave the story that his brother's bike was stolen, and that a friend of theirs saw Tanners bike and thought it was his brothers. So the friend took it and gave it to his brother. When I asked what happened to the brakes, he said he didn't know. It was given to his brother that way. Just so I have this right, their friend, who thought it was his brothers bike that got stolen, stole it back from my son, removed all of the brakes, foot pegs, kickstand, reflector, etc, tried to sand or grind Tanners initials off of the bike and then spray painted over them. Okay. I guess his "friend", must have thought that Tanner put all of this stuff on his friends bike, and then carved his initials in it. (A little side note--last time his bike was stolen, the brother of the thief did have a bike like Tanners. I know, because I stalked him, and then checked it. It was stripped of all of the parts, just like they stripped Tanners to make it look like his.)


I am sorry for ranting on & on, but I am so peeved. We suspected these kids all along, because they were acting funny after Tanners bike was stolen, and while we were canvasing the neighborhood, the kid tried to hide in someones driveway behind a car, while he was on the bike. Hmmm, very odd I would say. Anyhow, now that we have the bike back, it really doesn't matter, because they trashed it. I am not going to let my kid ride a bike around town that does not have any brakes. That is really safe. I almost feel like taking the bike back over to them and telling them to keep the piece of crap. However, I will not do that, because they do not even deserve to have a piece of crap. All I can say, is I am not going to just let this slide. They messed with the wrong momma, and they will soon crack. Unless they are totally heartless.

Clearly Tanners bike.
You can still see the initials in the bottom of the bike. They tried to sand/grind them out.

Oh, whats that? You thought it was yours, so you spray painted over the initials?

Thanks for letting me vent! I hope you all have a fantastic day!

8 years, really?

I have so much to write about, but I will just have to spread it out over the week. Today, I just want to say to my man.........Happy Anniversary Babe! Its hard to believe that it has been 8 years and even harder to believe that I have not yet stuck that fork in your eye....LOL!! I still love you after all these years, even if you snore & keep me up, stand in front of the window in your tight-whiteys scratching yourself, forget everything I have told you (or just ignored), chew on your fingers while in Al mode, push all my buttons, drink all my pop, and all of your other "Al" habits. Its been one heck of a ride and I can't wait to see what the next 8 years will bring. I love you!

Who are these kids?

The wedding party. Notice everyone laughing hysterically? That is because Tanner just got done saying "I just want out!" Too funny!

Me and my flower girl Alexis, who just so happens to be my niece now!

Its official! No turning back now!

Me & my bro Scott.

Our new family. Tanner is so tiny!

Love my boys!

Attempting to bake

Hey everyone! I am taking a short break, so I thought I would do a quick post. I took a vacation day last night, so I could get some baking done, do a little cleaning, run all my errands and put a few more boxes away. In preparation for Colter's birthday party. It is so hard to get much accomplished when you work nights.

I was up last night until 12:30 attempting to do some baking. I know I have said before that I am no Betty crocker. My goal was to make Colter his own cake to dig into and make some cookies for the kids that are coming. Things could have went much worse than they did, and all though the finished products are not the most beautiful things, they are very edible and still taste good. Don't worry, I ordered a cake for everyone else to eat. :o)

Are you ready for a good laugh? Miah Crocker baking, at its best.........


Colter's personal cake.........
(Trust me. He will love it, because he doesn't know any better!) In case you are unable to tell, he is having a doggie birthday party theme. I am going to be putting puppy chow & dog bone cookies in a doggie bag for the kiddo's. As long as it has sugar in it, kids will eat anything.........right?!
The last three pictures, I just threw in, so you wouldn't have the awful baked goods images burned into your brain for the rest of the day. These are of the birthday boy on his actual birthday.


I hope you all have a great weekend!

Happy 1st Birthday Colter!!

It doesn't seem possible, but its true. My little angel is turning ONE year old today. It has been the most amazing year of my life, that is for sure.

Prior to this day one year ago, I had a huge empty spot in my soul. I was always longing for more. What that more was, I did not know. What I did know, is that there had to be a reason god put me here. I was certain he did not make a mistake, but I was so lost and could not figure out what it was that would make my life complete. I felt like I just wanted something I could never have. After all, I had felt this way for many years. Changes that came about in my life, would briefly suffice my emptiness, but it would soon return. Little did I know, that on this day one year ago, the empty hole in my sole would be filled so full, that it would almost be overflowing.

Colter,

I love you so much. There are not even enough words in the english dictionary to describe how crazy I am about you. If I could tell every single person, animal and object on earth, how much I love you, I would. And I would do it a million times over. You have brought me so much joy. Every time you smile, you take my breath away. You are my world, my angel, my heart and my Hero! Just being your mom, makes me the luckiest gal in the world.

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

My first year

Painting Queen

Well, not exactly. I don't mind painting, but man, am I slow......and messy! See where this is going? I spent my weekend painting the living room. Yes, I said the weekend. I don't think I would be a very good candidate for trading spaces. I didn't actually start each night until Colter went to bed, which is usually around 7pm. It took me 4 hour for 2 nights to get it done. I spent 8 hours priming & painting one room! And my hair, arms, legs, feet, etc. At one point, I actually tried to paint my whole foot. If you step off the ladder into the paint tray, you can get some pretty good coverage. Even your kids will notice what a great painter you are.

The end result?

It is definitely worth a painted foot. The picture does not show the color that great. It was getting dark when I took it, and we haven't put the light back up yet. You get the idea anyway. We refinished the floors and woodwork also. It turned out beautiful. I can not wait to get more done. We have a to rewire the light fixture, finish the trim that goes around the window, and I need to do some touch up on the paint, but otherwise, the living room is pretty much done! Yay! Now I just need to get some more furniture.

I had to make a quick trip to Sioux Falls this weekend. I was in search of some shoes that Colter might actually wear. He does not like shoes with hard soles, and do you think I could find anything around here with flexible soles in his size?! Of course not. I even had a hard time finding something that wasn't totally ugly in Sioux Falls. I did manage to finally find him a pair at the Gap, but they did not have his size. Fortunately, they are shipping them to me, and I don't have to pay for the shipping. Hopefully, he will wear these, or I am not sure what I will try next.

I also tried to take a most recent picture of Colter for the paper. His birthday pic. He was not cooperating very well. The middle of last week, one of his top teeth came in. He has another one that is going to pop through at any moment. He has discovered that he can grind his teeth now, and it drives me crazy. I need to figure out how to get him to stop.

Here he is grinding his teeth, and leaning forward to grab the camera.

This is what I think of your picture taking, MOM!!

Happy Tuesday everyone!